The Social Focus

If you are thinking about, or in the process of, launching a new product this episode is for you! 

We are discussing 4 Things To Nail Down Before Launching A Product. And this does not just apply to physical products. These tips are for digital products as well.

And, even if you are not in launch mode, these are good ways to check-in as your business grows and changes. So you can make sure your messaging is on point.

Here are 4 Things To Nail Down Before Launching A Product:

1. Define your target market, dream client or customer. You want to know who this product is for so you can better develop copy in your content, sales pages, and website.
2. Understand the problem your product will solve. When you truly understand the problem your ideal customer is struggling with you can show them exactly how your product will improve their lives. You won’t be guessing.
3. Get validation for your product. This step often gets missed because we don’t ask questions. Getting customer feedback allows you to understand how you can improve your product to better serve your customers.
4. Tell your story and understand your why. People want to support, and connect with, other people. When they get to know why you decided to start your business they will want to help spread the word about your product.

If you found these tips helpful we would love for you to leave us a review. We love five stars!

Did you try one of these tips? We would love it if you would share it in your Instagram stories and tag @thesocial.focus 

DOWNLOAD THE FREE LIST FOR 50 REELS IDEAS FOR YOUR PRODUCTS!

And if you're a product maker or seller, you are not going to want to miss your opportunity to snag our upcoming course, The Product Focus! Get on the Wait List now!

Want to snag our library of 700+ professionally styled and photographed stock images?? Click HERE

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto

We love and use Buzzsprout to host Instagram for Business Podcast and they have made it easy and seamless (plus their customer service is by far one of the best!)

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Today we chatted about all things Facebook ads with advertising strategist & marketing consultant, Luan Jardine. She helps changemakers reach their dream audience while saving time and energy with steller ads that run on autopilot.

Luan began her marketing career back in University. From there she took the leap to build her business with the idea of offering all marketing services. But quickly realized she wanted to narrow down to Facebook ads so she could become known as an expert in one area.

Thank goodness she did because diving into the world of Facebook ads can be overwhelming and confusing. We hope her insights can help alleviate some of that anxiety for you.

Here are our takeaways from our chat with Luan:

• Before you start with Facebook ads you should know your target audience. This will be a huge help when it comes to the type of ads you run.
• Facebook Ads are great for growing your email list. Especially for your cold audience who still needs to get to know you. Give them an easy offer like 15% off. Everyone loves a discount!
• If your business is newer, avoid Black Friday and Christmas when scheduling ads. Holidays are way more expensive than if you just wait a few weeks and run your ads in January.
• Avoid the mistake of thinking boosting a post is considered an ad. It is not. 
• Don’t delete your Facebook ads manager or previous campaigns before you have really combed through all of the data.

Luan is a wealth of information and is kindly offering our audience $50 off her DIY Facebook Ads Course when you use the code IGBIZ.

Connect with Luan Jardine & Check out her Facebook ADs Course:
Code for $50 off: IGBIZ
Link for the course:
https://luanjardine.com/diy-facebook-ads-course

Online

On Instagram @luanjardine

Did you try one of these tips? We would love it if you would share it in your Instagram stories and tag @thesocial.focus 

DOWNLOAD THE FREE LIST FOR 50 REELS IDEAS FOR YOUR PRODUCTS!

And if you're a product maker or seller, you are not going to want to miss your opportunity to snag our upcoming course, The Product Focus! Get on the Wait List now!

Want to snag our library of 700+ professionally styled and photographed stock images?? Click HERE

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto

We love and use Buzzsprout to host Instagram for Business Podcast and they have made it easy and seamless (plus their customer service is by far one of the best!)

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

You may not be at a point in your business where you can hire out product photography. But that doesn’t mean you can’t showcase your products with great photos. All it takes are a few tips and tricks!

As a photographer and stylist this is our jam! Yes we have access to a studio and professional equipment, but there are many times when we shoot products at home. And the end product is just as good! 

And we know you can get the same results!

Here are 5 tips for taking better product shots at home without lots of expensive equipment:

1. Find a backdrop that works well for you and your brand. The options are endless, but our advice is to keep it simple. Create the vibe that fits your brand and stick with three backgrounds at most to keep your social media feed consistent.
2. Find a space in your home that can offer natural light. Lighting is everything! You don’t need a bunch of fancy lights to make your product stand out. 
3. Find accentuating everyday items around your house to use as props. Such as plants, florals, books, fruit, and ribbons. Just make sure they are appropriate for the set up.
4. Shoot with a camera you feel comfortable with. Keep it simple and just use your phone.
5. Take the time to edit your photos

Did you try one of these tips? We would love it if you would share it in your Instagram stories and tag @thesocial.focus 

DOWNLOAD THE FREE LIST FOR 50 REELS IDEAS FOR YOUR PRODUCTS!

And if you're a product maker or seller, you are not going to want to miss your opportunity to snag our upcoming course, The Product Focus! Get on the Wait List now!

Want to snag our library of 700+ professionally styled and photographed stock images?? Click HERE

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto

We love and use Buzzsprout to host Instagram for Business Podcast and they have made it easy and seamless (plus their customer service is by far one of the best!)

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Here on The Social Focus we're all about helping you get your products out in front of your customers. That’s why today we’re talking about email marketing. Another way for you to connect with your customers.

Did you know that in 2022 there are 4.3 billion email users!!! And 333.2 billion emails sent per day! Yes our mind was blown as well.

Oftentimes we get caught up in the number of Instagram or Facebook users and forget to focus on email marketing. Which is the only list YOU actually own. Instagram and Facebook own your audiences. You don’t.

If you haven’t dove into email marketing because you feel it’s too pushy, keep this in mind. Your audience wants to be the first to know about your sales, promos, and upcoming announcements. In fact, 49% of consumers say they would like to receive weekly emails from brands they love. That could be you!

Think about the last time you got a 50% off promo from your favourite local shop. Maybe you weren’t looking to buy, but the promo put them top of mind and got you to press the purchase button.

Email marketing is on the rise and we want you to reap the benefits from this powerful tool. Here are three things to keep in mind when implementing email marketing into your business:

1. Choose an email marketing platform that best suits your business. The best platform is the one you actually use and reflects your brand.
2. Create a lead magnet your audience will love. New customers are picky about handing out their email address. Make sure what they are getting in return is of value.
3. Keep your audience engaged and nurture them with consistent emails. Find a cadence that works for you. Maybe it’s once a week or once a month. But the key is to stay consistent so you can gain the trust of your audience.

We would be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcast. Five star is always wonderful!

DOWNLOAD THE FREE LIST FOR 50 REELS IDEAS FOR YOUR PRODUCTS!

Want to snag our library of 700+ professionally styled and photographed stock images?? Click HERE

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto

We love and use Buzzsprout to host Instagram for Business Podcast and they have made it easy and seamless (plus their customer service is by far one of the best!)

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

If you have a product you’re selling and are not yet using Instagram reels this is for you!

Your product, and bank account, will thank you for it.  Reels lifespan can last up to 4 weeks compared to only 24 hours for a post. So even if your reel doesn’t get a ton of views within the first day it could pick up momentum a week, 2 weeks or even 4 weeks later. Getting your product in front of hundreds more potential customers.  We know the power of reels and hope you take the plunge so your business and products can get the exposure they deserve. 

Here are 5 Reels Ideas For Your Product:
1. Show your audience how your product is made. This gives them an inside look into your process and the heart that it takes to make it. Not everyone can do what you do and that’s what’s so fascinating! 

2. Share the ingredients, textiles, or items that go into making your product. Maybe they have healing powers or are sustainable. Knowing the why behind your product gives your customers the full story and showcases your values. When a customer is connected to the why behind a product they will share it with others who have similar values. 

3. Record yourself packaging up your product and writing a handwritten note. When someone can see the care that goes into the packaging they will connect more with you and your product. 

4. Show your face. Customers want to know the person behind the business. People love to connect with other people. Try answering a question that keeps popping up. It shows you’re listening to your customers and will give more insight into your product. 

5.Show them how to style your product. This gets your customers excited to incorporate your product into their lifestyle. Show how they can use your product in their own environment and how it will make their life easier.  Bonus Tip: Add this call to action at the end of your reel. “Show me if you’ve styled it this way. ” This gets your customers engaged with you and your product. 

We would be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcast. Five star is always wonderful!

DOWNLOAD THE FREE LIST FOR 50 REELS IDEAS FOR YOUR PRODUCTS!

Want to snag our library of 700+ professionally styled and photographed stock images?? Click HERE

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto

We love and use Buzzsprout to host Instagram for Business Podcast and they have made it easy and seamless (plus their customer service is by far one of the best!)

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Let’s be honest, you need visuals for your business. You audience needs to see your products in the best possible way. Whether you’re about to book in a session with a professional photographer or you’ll be taking your own imagery, I want you to consider these three things that will save you time, be prepared and maximize your efforts. 

Here are three ways to prepare for your next product photoshoot, from the lens of a product stylist. 

First, be very mindful of your brand. Knowing and understanding your brand colours and tones is incredibly important but also understanding the vibe of this specific photoshoot. What is the vibe and energy you’d like to convey for your products? It’s also helpful to look for inspiration and even look at imagery that you know does not represent your brand well. 

Secondly, have a clear list of all products that you need photograph. But more importantly have them listed in order of importance and priority. Sometimes time can run very tight and you don’t want to put yourself in a position where the items you needed don’t get photographed. 

And lastly, gather and or provide accentuating props. For example, if you’re a candle company, it would be valuable to include ingredients you use to make them. If it’s scented with lavender, then including fresh lavender sprigs would be valuable. Right away, your customers can visually understand what this candle would smell like. Otherwise, you could also include the tools you use to make your items, or additional props that flow well with the vibe. Another example would be if you apparel with fun sayings on them about wine; then a bottle of wine or corkscrew would be an example of accentuating props. 

If you’re looking for more styling tips, techniques and inspiration, I would love to connect with you on Instagram @angela.s.doyon

We would be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcast. Five star is always wonderful! 

Want to snag our library of 700+ professionally styled and photographed stock images?? Click HERE

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto

We love and use Buzzsprout to host Instagram for Business Podcast and they have made it easy and seamless (plus their customer service is by far one of the best!)

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

As business owners, and creatives, we know first hand the importance of legally protecting yourself. Having gone through the experience of someone blatantly stealing photographs, and then passing them off as their own, having a written contract in place meant they couldn’t get away with it.

But what if we hadn’t had a contract in place? 

That’s what today’s guest Jamie Bell, owner of @contractsmarket, is chatting about. Jamie runs her own law firm in British Columbia as well as providing legal contract templates for entrepreneurs.

Jamie is quick to point out that the reasons you should have a written contract are not just about being able to go after someone if they’ve stolen your photographs.

Having a contract in place will also help ensure you get paid, save you time, and allow you to be proactive vs. reactive.

So who needs a contract? Everyone. If you have a website it’s a requirement that you have a privacy policy. If you’re collecting data from your website visitors it’s the law to provide information as to how that data will be used and stored. And though it may not seem obvious, even product based businesses need a contract. This can be shared on your website in the form of your refund and chargeback policies. Having this information available on your FAQ page will save you time answering repeat questions. All you have to do is refer your customers to the page.

At what stage in your business should you implement contracts? ASAP. Having a contract, or policy, in place sets the boundaries in your business. When you are clear (no vagueness here) It makes communicating with customers so much easier. And sets the tone that: “If you don’t get paid, you don’t start work.”

What does she recommend not doing? She is not a fan of using emails as a makeshift contract. So much can get lost in a backlog of emails and what is agreed upon can be hard to decipher. Not to mention, if a situation needed to go to litigation it would take lawyers a lot longer to sift through emails than a contract. 

With that being said, drafting a contract in language that is completely out of character is not necessary. Write in your own words so your customers can understand what they are agreeing to.

Make sure to connect with Jamie!

Online

Or on Instagram @contractsmarket

We would be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcast. Five star is always wonderful! 

Want to snag our library of 700+ professionally styled and photographed stock images?? Click HERE

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto

We love and use Buzzsprout to host Instagram for Business Podcast and they have made it easy and seamless (plus their customer service is by far one of the best!)

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Today is our two year anniversary of starting this podcast.

Many of you have been with us since the beginning and we can’t thank you enough. It means the world that what started out as an idea, back in December 2019, has grown into a resource you find valuable. 

It’s always been our mission to help business owners efficiently and effectively sell their product through social media. Not just Instagram. And by following our own advice, to “niche down”, we are leaning into our expertise as a photographer and social stylist to help you feel empowered to create content on your own.

And while we’re shifting our focus to more strategy, and less tech talk, this podcast is still going to provide a ton of education. With a side of fun and quirkiness!

If you haven't been formerly introduced to us, here's a little more details on who we are:

Nat Caron - Brand Photographer

Nat started her career in Photography June of 1999, and has been running her photography business and studio since September 2002. After 10 years of solely working in the wedding and portrait industry, she began to work more and more with commercial clients…… in hopes of getting her weekends, and truthfully, her life back.

After her 3rd son was born in December of 2015 she knew weddings and portraits would have to take a back seat to her new passion of commercial and business clients. It was a tough decision, because Nat loves Love! And those wedding couples became very special to her. But she truly loved seeing businesses grow. A business growing meant also watching those individuals grow in their  life. It TRULY changed peoples lives as she saw them embrace pride and joy. They learned that they had control of their time and life. And lastly, their wealth grew. Which meant watching them give back to their community. It was beautiful to
watch this cycle. And knowing she could help more people by helping them with Social Media Workshops, teaching photography, and how to grow their audience and clientele, she also knew being a part of an online community and podcast meant spreading that education
even farther. 

Follow along
@natcaronphoto 

Angela Swann-Doyon - Product Photography Stylist & Content Creator

Ang’s start in business began like many others… First, a twenty-five cent lemonade stand and eventually upgrading to handmade bracelets for a dollar. At one point, there were homemade cakes for sale, but ‘Angie Baby Cakes’ never quite took off (and it made one hell of a mess in her kitchen). But one thing was clear, Ang had a keen business sense, a creative marketing talent and passion for people. With over 13 years of combined marketing, social media and event & wedding planning experience, she realized that she could merge her marketing talents with her creative eye for style and design a business that helps others with their visual marketing strategy. She loves prop sourcing and developing set designs and mood boards and has a keen eye for detail.

In her spare time, she loves to travel, sip good wine, watch old Oscar acceptance speeches and spend time with her beautiful son and husband.

Follow along
@angela.s.doyon

Please head to Apple Podcast and leave a review

Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and online at www.thesocialfocus.co 

You’ve heard us talk about the importance of storytelling and we were thrilled that our guest on today’s episode includes the work storytelling right in her bio! Today we are chatting with Maria Hyde, Owner of @essentialcopy - which helps modern lifestyle brands tell their story through meaningful copy. She shares some amazing techniques to attract the right audience and speak directly to them and to their needs. 

After having children (two little sweethearts) Maria felt that the corporate lifestyle wasn’t quite working for her and decided to pursue her passion for writing and enter the entrepreneurial world. She started as a freelancer and soon realized that the larger corporation already had in-house writers so she saw an opportunity to assist smaller businesses and brands with their copy needs. 

So how much time should you invest in crafting your captions for social media? Maria is completely candid and admits that she is guilty of overthinking it and taking too much time. She does however mention that it is important to create thoughtful content with intention and to write when you feel inspired.

What is the most important thing to keep in mind when writing your captions? Know. Your. Audience. You want to know your audience and you want to be relevant and relatable. 

Where do people struggle the most for writing? Maria shares that she finds that people struggle the most with their caption writing for Instagram which is really attributed back to knowing your audience. She also notices that entrepreneurs tend to have difficulty talking about themselves. 

What are three things you feel people should be mindful of when sitting down to write their captions? Know your audience and do your research! Maria even revealed that you should be stalking your ideal audience. What are they saying? Where do thy shop? What are they sharing? It’s a strategy that big marketing agencies use and you can too. 

What’s an example of good storytelling? Maria was sweet enough to share that we are good storytellers and uses an example of a post that Nat shared. It was a very personal post that created a feeling that people could resonate with. When you can create an experience for your audience they will feel more connected to you. 

And to round up the interview, we ask, what is the biggest failure you’ve ever had? Maria’s answer will amaze you! She responds by saying that she hasn’t had that many failures and within that, not having that many failures has kept her stuck. 

Connect with Maria Hyde!

Online 

On Instagram @essentialcopy 

Want to snag our library of 700+ professionally styled and photographed stock images?? Click HERE

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto

In Nat’s solo episode, she dives into something she feels is one of the best ways to create ongoing sales without spending a dollar.

It’s simple. Raving fans are those customers who not only purchase from you ongoing, but also tell everyone, from their sister, their neighbour, even to complete strangers, all about you and your brand. They brag about it, because it’s almost a piece of them.

And essentially, they become your best sales force. 

So here are the 5 Ways to create raving fans:

1. Get to know your customer. 

Follow them on social. Connect with them. Find out their likes and dislikes

2. Deliver more then you promise. This is your chance to wow them. And their connection to your brand comes from excitement they have for your products. And this is typically because they have received something they didn’t expect. 

3. Get customer feedback. The good, the bad, all of it. Without this feedback, you’ll stay stagnant and stuck. Growth happens after you make changes to meet your customers needs. 

4. Give Back! Pick a charity, offer proceeds from your sales, offer items to auction off. But start today. If you haven’t had a chance to give back to your community, today is the day.

5. Be Real! Your authentic self will offer more then just moments of connection, and reliability. But will also change their opinion of your brand. Show your personality, be vulnerable, and get real with your audience.

Start making connections with your customers today, and you’ll start seeing more and more raving fans appear. 

Please head to Apple Podcast and leave a review

Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus

@angela.s.doyon and @natcaronphoto

Want an entire album of stock images at your fingertips!? Snag over 700+ professionally styled and photographed images right now! Click HERE to purchase!

We love and use Buzzsprout to host Instagram for Business Podcast and they have made it easy and seamless (plus their customer service is by far one of the best!) 

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.